Text of a lecture delivered to the Sphex Club of Lynchburg. Arelia Langhorne's SPHEX paper titled "Soul Food" intertwines the themes of nourishment, music, and social justice. Langhorne draws parallels between the physical sustenance provided by soul food and the spiritual and cultural nourishment offered by music and shared experiences. The paper highlights a visit by President Obama to Mrs. Wilkes' dining establishment, emphasizing communal dining and its role in fostering connections. It transitions into a comprehensive examination of the civil rights anthem "We Shall Overcome," tracing its evolution from a slave song to a hymn by Charles Albert Tindley, and its pivotal role in the labor movement, civil rights activism, and global struggles for justice. Langhorne underscores the song's transformative power, illustrating its adaptability and enduring relevance across various contexts and movements for change.
